A finely modelled Chinese Ming Dynasty terracotta statuette of a male court attendant. The figure is depicted standing with his feet apart and left arm raised almost towards his face. His facial features are delicately rendered. He is draped in typical Ming court robes, depicted naturalistically with incised folds and pleats adding movement and dimension. The robes are rendered in black with a bright red belt secured low on the figure's hips. The figure is standing on a rectangular platform. The statuette’s left hand is detachable and features a thin terminal in place of the wrist for attachment to the main body. Earthly encrustations and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as chips, scratches, and some surface pitting. The pigment is delicate and should be handled with care. N.B Heavy shipping applies. It is likely that the original purpose of the figure was that of a mingqi, terracotta moulded figures of people and animals meant to be grave goods to be placed in tombs. It was believed that these figures would serve and assist the deceased in the afterlife. Figures of this type usually depict servants, officials, soldiers, musicians, court attendants, dancers and, in the case of animals, horses and Bactrian camels. As in life, attendant figures are depicted standing nearby, waiting to fulfil the desires and needs of the deceased. Measurements: (circa) H 33.3cm x W 14cm Provenance: Private UK collection, brought from a west country collection in 1990's.